May 18, 2009

DECATUR, Ala. - After losing in the first round of the eight team double elimination bracket in the 29^th Annual NAIA Softball National Championships, Oklahoma City University posted two straight wins to move into Tuesday's play.  The No. 6 ranked Stars eliminated No. 4 Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) University 1-0.

Amanda Howard of Oklahoma City (53-8) led the NAIA with 25 homeruns entering the tournament.  In this win over Point Loma Nazarene, it was Howard's solo homer in the bottom of the first that proved to be the game winner.  Point Loma Nazarene out hit Oklahoma City 5-4, but was not able to break through on the scoreboard. 

In the top of the seventh inning, Point Loma had one final scoring opportunity as Melissa Gomez led off with a double.  However, with one out, Gomez was thrown out at home trying to score on a single by Tyler Lent.  Oklahoma City's leftfielder, Bianca Bryant gave a great throw to home, keeping their lead in tact.  Jill Schaefer then flied out to deep left field to end the game. 

Ashley Wilburn (24-3) earned the win, tossing a five-hit shutout. 

Oklahoma City advances to play Dickinson State on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.  Point Loma Nazarene ends their season with a 48-13 record.

-NAIA-